Music of the Soul 1, 2, & 3 Starter Bundle

by Erik Schubach

  Her smile couldn't have been more genuine as I saw it twinkling in her eyes. “Lead on, Macbeth.”

  We got to the fish mongers and I grabbed a couple disposable gloves sitting in a stack by an ice bed and slid them on and looked up just as a fish was sailing through the air to me. Riley gasped, but I deftly caught it. Seven pounds at least. I winked at the monger that tossed it and examined the salmon, checking its gills and just tossed it right back.

  “Looks good, Sam, can you get two over to Alessandro's today? I owe him for a marker I pulled in,” I said as I was taking the gloves back off and tossing them in the trashcan beside me. Riley looked impressed. That made me bite my lower lip.

  Sam shot back, “You got it Miss James! So I lost track, does this make us even?”

  I giggled as I reached into my purse and pulled out two concert tickets. “Only if you and Mary don't want front row tickets to Kirby Monroe on Friday.”

  He wiped his hands on his apron as he walked quickly around the counter and snatched the tickets from me. “No way! These have been sold out for a month, where did you get these?” He asked as he stuffed them in his pocket.

  Riley seemed to be having a great time as she was starting to giggle herself as she answered before I could, “She knows a guy.” Shooting him a wink and causing me to snort.

  Sam looked at her then to me. “Oh this isn't Bev... who is this lovely lady, Miss James?”

  I slapped his muscular shoulder playfully. “Hey, eyes front sailor! You got Mary. Miss McKay here is mine!” Sam grinned and raised his hands in defeat as Riley looked happily shocked at my statement.

  Riley blushed, it looked way too cute and was causing a blush of my own. I grabbed Riley's soft, warm hand and started back toward the car. “See ya Sam. Remember to say hi to Mary for me.” He waved as we walked away.

  We got back to the car and stood for a minute, but I didn't want my time with Riley to end so I said, “Okay you suffered through my markers. Now I belong to you. What do you wanna do?”

  She smiled and put her keys back in her purse, then linked arms with me and started leading me down the block. “Well I have some ideas. I'm really enjoying these glimpses into your world. It sounds as if you never bring anyone around except Beverly, and they all think she is your sister.”

  I shrugged, “Yeah, she's always called me 'sis' after our kissing incident, and she pretty much is my sister, so it's easier to let them think that than having to correct them all the time. AND, there has never been anyone else in my life I wanted them to meet.” I blushed at my admission.

  She stopped walking and turned to look into my eyes, it was like gravity pulling me in, she leaned down and captured my lips gently with hers. Swooning is so easy with her. Then she broke the kiss leaving me like a fish gasping for air. She smiled that she got the desired effect. “Come on!” she laughed and dragged me along, me riding on my personal cloud nine.

  A couple blocks later she stopped a a little red door between two shops in a two story brick building. She opened the door, revealing a narrow, steep stairway leading up. She smiled and shooed me in. “I noticed you had some vinyl at your place last night. I'm amazed you seem to love music as much as I do, that's rare, normally I drive my girlfriends crazy with it.”

  I almost passed out happy at the word girlfriend. If only she really felt that way. This relationship is so confusing to me, but then again, she does keep reminding me it is just a game to her. We reached the top of the stairs and she lead me to the right. And there it was, Record Nirvana, a shop with rows upon rows upon rows of vinyl records. All vintage and tons of imports.

  I stood unmoving. Was this a mirage? I've seen plenty of vintage record shops but this place was huge! She laughed at me musically and whispered in my ear, her hot breath causing goosebumps to dance their way happily down my flesh. “Come on in, let's see what booty we can find.”

  She dragged me in like she was pulling a small child. That's how I felt. I saw an aisle labeled 45's. I drooled and made my way over. “Oooo, nice choice!” she said laughingly beside me.

  I looked at her and bit my lower lip as I started playing with the end of my ponytail and turned excitedly to the racks started happily flipping through some vintage imports.

  “So what types of bands are you...” I interrupted her with a squeal as I held up a single triumphantly. I held it out to her with both hands, she looked and quirked an eyebrow as I giggled. “I've been looking for this single forever! Finding anything from the Divinyls 80's years is hard enough, with them being Australian and all, but 'Back to the Wall'! Most people only know their song 'I Touch Myself'.”

  She had a permanent smile on her face watching my antics as she pulled out an Apple label Beatles single 'Oh Darling' and held it out to me triumphantly and said, “Ha! This completes my Apple label Beatles 45's this one doesn't even have a catalog number, and is oh so rare! 'Here Comes the Sun' is the flip side.”

  We both bounced around like a couple teenagers at our discovered treasure. I continued flipping through records until I stopped on one and pulled it to my chest. She looked at me with curiosity as I said, “Please don't hate me... and don't judge me.” I held the single out with both hands for her to see, my head hung low.

  She started laughing and hugged me in apology as she stuttered out between laughs, “The Bangles? Eternal Flame?” She wiped a happy tear from her eye.

  Then she straightened up at the sight of my pouty lower lip. “Sorry, not judging.” She suppressed a laugh. Then she quirked one of those marvelous eyebrows I am so obsessed with and added, “You know, I've noticed that all your favorite songs or bands are either girl bands or have female leads. Whether it is at the club, on the radio, on my iPod or here digging through the vinyl. You seem to like and awful lot of women. You SURE you're not gay?”

  For you. I started playing with my ponytail. “I'm not sure of much anymore,” then bit my lower lip.

  “Damn.” she whispered, “You really have to stop doing that. I can't be held responsible if I kiss you when you do.”

  I flushed, I was hot everywhere. “Then kiss me,” I said simply as I leaned in and we shared our gentlest, sweetest kiss yet.

  I smiled coyly and went back to digging up buried treasure. It took her a few seconds before she followed suit, I could hear that her ragged breathing matched mine. Over the next hour we found a couple more 45's each.

  We talked and joked and shared our musical tastes, which were very similar except she had male bands mixed in with the real good stuff. I was starting to replay her observation and her question. Maybe I knew I was gay all along but never shared it with my conscious mind.

  We went up to pay and a guy who looked to be someone from a punk band throwback to the 1980's brightened up. “Hey, Jane. What ya got to spin today? I located that Lynyrd Skynyrd triple 3 album you put that bodacious bounty on. Should be here this week.”

  She smiled. “Sweet!” She handed over her booty to him and grabbed my 45's before I could protest. Then she continued as he rung us up, “Just filling some holes in the collection.”

  He replied, “Cool. That's like twenty four thirty three, Jane.” She looked at him like he was speaking Swahili. He faltered then started punching things on the register, “Fifteen twenty two?”

  She cleared her throat, “Golly Seth, where did you get that still sealed, mint White Album there in that glass case behind the counter?”

  He slumped his shoulders and punched some stuff on the register. “With my employee discount that's eight fifty two.”

  She grinned like a Cheshire cat and handed him a ten spot. “Keep the change.” He smiled back at both of us.

  It was obvious that this was a game they played frequently at checkout. I felt an odd sort of pride for her having the upper hand in the negotiation. It's always good to be on the owed side and not the owing when it comes to favors. Markers are better than cash. They are my currency. She's a girl after my own heart. She can have mine if she wants it.


  As we were marching down the stairs we glanced at each other and started cracking up. Then she spoke my own thoughts, “I can see why you like to keep the upper hand in your networking, it comes in useful.”

  I just grinned at her. I started back toward the car and she grabbed my hand dragging me the opposite location, toward the Space Needle. “One last stop,” She laughed.

  I'd let her lead me anywhere as long as she doesn't let my hand go. Then I started cracking up again as she started humming Eternal Flame.

  By the time we reached the Space Needle we were half way walking, half way dramatically gesturing and belting out the full chorus of Eternal Flame and everyone around us were either smiling or avoiding us like we were insane.

  She pointed across the street grinning, I followed her finger and her gaze to the amphibious duck boats. My grin got bigger than hers, and the absurdity that we were acting like tourists in our own city turned that grin into a full blown smile.

  We walked across the street hand in hand and she pulled us to one side to where a very cute girl in a duck tour uniform was standing. Then Riley bumped her knees to the back of the girl's knees, almost making the girl fall down.

  When the radiant blonde turned around she squealed and almost jumped on Riley and hugged her, Riley never letting go of me. “Jane! Oh my God! How are you?” the blonde girl bubbled.

  Riley smiled back. “Doing great, Sandra! So, can you hook a girl up? Trying to impress here.”

  The blonde looked like she was about to explode into cuteness when she looked at me then our hands. She leaned in like they were doing a covert operation and slid two passes into Riley's hand and whispering waaaaay too loudly, “OMG she's cute! And those eyes!”

  I was blushing again as Riley pulled me into the line to board a Duck, calling over her shoulder, “Thanks, San! You're the best!”

  I looked back and saw the girl was smiling and blushing redder than I was and looking at her shoes. I felt a tinge of jealousy and looked a question up into Riley's eyes.

  She smiled reassuringly. “No, not an ex. Old friend of the family. She's sorta crushed on me since we were like five, but we never dated. She is one of the sweetest girls you will ever meet, but sadly, was sort of passed over in the smarts department. I like my girls to challenge me intellectually. I sorta look out for her whenever I see her at the clubs, too many people willing to take advantage of a sweet, naive girl like her.”

  My opinion of Riley just went up another notch. Is that even possible? I pulled her down for a quick peck on the lips before we boarded the vehicle. Now I'm not too proud to admit that I clung to her like a little kid when we drove down into the water. I was a little nervous. I mean, cars aren't supposed to ride the waves you know.

  I nervously twisted the end of my ponytail until we were well underway. Then I just sort of naturally melted into Riley's arms as the tour progressed. She traced lazy circles on the exposed flesh of my belly with her thumbs as we looked at the city from the water. This was so easy with her, so natural. We didn't talk we just enjoyed the tour and the closeness of each other.

  I was sad when the tour was over, I had to leave her arms. But we had a blast trying to stump each other with music trivia walking back to the car. I stopped before getting in, “You were pretty terrific today, you got a nice web of contacts yourself. Showoff.” I winked at her.

  She just gave me an eye sparkling smile that made my legs turn to jelly. “Well I can't have you showing me up all the time now can I?” I started playing with my ponytail and got in the car.

  Before she started the car she turned to me with a cockeyed tilt to her head and a reflective smile. I grinned at her, “What?”

  She crinkled her nose and said, “You really don't know you're doing it do you?” I looked at her tilting my head, prompting for more information. She shook her head with a little laugh. “That adorable thing you do with your hair.” I looked at my ponytail between my fingers and dropped it self consciously. Which just made me want to start playing with my ponytail. Damn vicious circle!

  She laughed a melodious laugh as she read all this in my face. I looked at my hands and started playing with my fingers. “Sorry it's just a nervous habit.”

  Riley smiled, shaking her head in contemplation. “Actually I'd say three distinct habits.” Wow, Bevi told me that once too, but I didn't know anyone else could read me like her.

  She continued, “You roll the hair between your fingers and your eyes widen slightly when you are nervous. Then you kind of slide the strands across each other and you drop your eyelids slightly when you get shy or bashful. Both of which makes me want to... I don't know... hug you and protect you?” She smiled like she had just unraveled one of the secrets of the universe.

  I cocked an eyebrow. “You said three. That was two.” She bit her lower lip. Doesn't she know what that does to me?

  “Well that one is the one I both hate and love,” she replied, “When you get coy and seductive you twirl the end absentmindedly and bite your lower lip and do something with your eyes that I can't explain. The effect is devastating and I have to fight myself to keep from throwing you down on the ground and having my way with you right there.” She looked embarrassed at the admission.

  I was blushing profusely and overly aroused at that. “You should.” I slapped my hands to my mouth. Holy crap! Why do I keep saying things out loud!? She had a shocked look on her face. I wanted to crawl into a hole.

  “That's cute too,” she confessed. I reached for my ponytail and realized I was doing it and dropped my hand.

  Her expression was unreadable as she started the car. She saw my hesitation and said quietly, “Don't be self conscious about it,” then quieter still, “I like it.” I gave her a nervous smile. Then she brightened up and put on some girl band music for me. The ride home was awesome, we once again had our own private karaoke session, laughing and singing. Though there was a shadow of confusion lurking in my mind.

  We got to my place and she idled by the curb, our hands found each others, our fingers finding themselves laced as they should be. I brought hers to my lips and kissed each finger. “I'm sorry things got weird there, sometimes my damn mouth has a mind of its own.”

  She leaned in close and placed her forehead on mine. “It's okay. It's just a game after all. And this doesn't count as a date!” Her eyes were twinkling with humor. I'm sure mine went dull from her reminder that this isn't real to her.

  I tried to stay cheerful. “Uhh, yeah. Too bad, third date entitled you to some over the sweater action.” I winked.

  A mixture of lust and disappointment twinkled in her eyes. “Damn!” she muttered almost under her breath.

  This caused me to bite my lower lip and to start playing with my ponytail. I realized I was doing it when her eyes went wide, she opened her mouth to say something. I dropped it quickly and we laughed until I shut her up by kissing her softly.

  I broke the kiss and pulled my forehead from hers. Missing the contact already. Then I shot her a cocky smile. “I'll be damned. It works, it does shut people up.” She slapped my arm with a grin. I looked at her, not wanting the day to end. “Umm... so I guess I'll call you later to set up the next date?” She looked as sad about leaving too and nodded.

  I got out of the car and offered a smile and a tiny wave. She smiled and did the same as she drove off. I had just unlocked the door to enter the lobby when my phone buzzed. It was a text from Riley, I could still see her car receding down the street. [ bored ] To my shame, I snorted. Then I shot back [ chick flick? ] and got an almost immediate answer [ b right up :) ].

  Chapter 6 – Blurring of the Line

  We were snuggled in on the couch under a blanket, munching on popcorn, my head resting in the crook of her neck watching 'Imagine Me and You' when the door opened. Bev came in already talking, holding a big box, “Kru if you didn't get you some of that fine... oh, hi. Jane!” Bev did a bad job of acting innocent.

  We were both grinning at her from the couch. Her eyes
shot to the TV, her favorite movie, to the popcorn, her favorite snack, to the blanket, her favorite... “Snuggle time!” she yelled as she put her box down and hopped over the back of the couch to lay her head in our laps as she helped herself to a handful of popcorn. It was impossible for Riley and I not to laugh.

  Bevi asked with a mouthful of popcorn, “Dey at dah danfce scuheen yet?”

  Riley surprised me with her Beverly decoding capability, “Nope, dance scene coming up.” Then she turned to me with an amused grin, “She really IS like this isn't she?” I giggled and nodded and we all relaxed to watch the rest of the show.

  Riley's hand was lightly brushing along my side under the blanket as we watched. It was doing amazing things to me. I let an arm drift back and started lazily tracing circles on Riley's hip with my fingernails, keeping an eye on Bev to make sure she didn't notice.

  I think Riley took this as a challenge, I glanced back to see her grin as she kept one eye on Bevi as well. Then she moved her hand a little higher and I stopped breathing as the side of her hand grazed the side of my breast. When I remembered to breath again I slowly wiggled my hand into her tight jean pocket, and curled my fingers slowly toward her hip, causing my nails to drag along her flesh with much more pressure, only the pocket lining protecting her, I heard her breath hitch. Ha! Point for me!

  She, placed her chin on top of my head and blatantly punished me for that by cupping my breast. This time my breath hitched. All brain function stopped, and I lived only in the feel of her thumb tracing little circles on the side of my breast through the fabric of my shirt and bra.

  That's how we spent the rest of the movie. I was unmoving and silent, frozen, feeling her attention on the side of my breast, not wanting to do anything that might cause her to stop and Bev and Riley spent the rest of the movie making commentary and joking. Riley was even relaxed enough around Beverly now to play lazily with her hair with her other hand. I'm not sure I even took a breath the whole movie, my hand still curled in her pocket. Happy warmth buzzing through me.